Four years after filming wrapped in the Lehigh Valley, the Daniel Roebuck film “The Hail Mary” premiered to sold-out crowds recently at the Frank Banko Theater, Bethlehem Catholic High School Auditorium and The Roxy Theater in Northampton. The cast, crew, supporters and fans reunited at each of the venues to view the film Roebuck said “took so long because I wanted to get it right.” And “right” he did.

“The Hail Mary” is a love letter of gratitude to the religious sisters who influenced Roebuck since he was a child. Hundreds of supporters arrived for the red carpet events on the one day of the week that brought blue skies and warmer temperatures.

Volunteers set up the tables of merchandise including T-shirts, football bags, magnets and programs. The cast stood for over an hour before each film for fans to get their pictures with them. The cast also mingled throughout the lobby signing programs for fans and taking selfies.

Roebuck greeted the sold-out crowds at the Frank Banko Theater for the 11 a.m. showing and had a brief question and answer session with the audience before the cast and crew made their way to the 3 p.m. showing at Becahi.

Band members from Becahi provided entertainment for the sold- out auditorium crowd at the 3 p.m. showing of the film. Fans came from as far south as North Carolina to see the world premiere of this film.

While most of the attendees were from Allentown and Bethlehem, others like Pat Dillensnyder of Roseto said she had seen “St. Nick of Bethlehem” on Amazon Prime and wanted to see “The Hail Mary.” Groups of friends organized to come to each of the venues as well.

Choir members from St. Ann Church in Emmaus wanted to see the film and support parishioner Joey Draper, of Lower Macungie Township, who portrayed one of the school boys and Saints football players.

At the Becahi venue, Grade 8 and youth group students from Holy Family Church were excited to be a part of this world premiere event.

Bettie Kichline and Gerald Brunell showed up at Becahi to support their dear friend Roebuck. “Getting Grace” was dedicated to Bettie’s brother Gerald Scott Brunell.

Also, at the Becahi venue, Taylor Bennett who participates in Special Olympics programs with Seth McMullen (one of the school boys and Saints football players) was overjoyed to be at the event.

The program began with a blessing and a Hail Mary prayer at Roebuck’s alma mater. Allentown Diocese’s Bishop Alfred A. Schlert was in attendance and described the film as “the fruit and courage of this man and many others.”

In the 65th year of the Allentown Diocese, Schlert acknowledged Roebuck was “raised and formed in the Diocese of Allentown. This is a great sign of how God blesses us,” he said.

Roebuck concluded with thanking the donors, sponsors and board members. “The Hail Mary” is a glorious gift to me,” Roebuck said, who acknowledged his father who was present in the audience. He also shared “The Hail Mary” movie “no longer belongs to me. It belongs to all of you.”

After the movie and discussion at Becahi, the cast and crew boarded a Trans-Bridge Lines bus that took them to the final premiere at the historic Roxy Theater in Northampton.

As several hundred people made their way into the theater, the marquee displayed “World Premiere The Hail Mary” with bright lights that provided a glamorous feel to the occasion.

After Roebuck greeted the guests at the final venue, Mayor of Northampton Anthony “Tony” Pristash surprised an emotional Roebuck with a Key to the City of Northampton. “This is our highest honor in Northampton. It is so rare, I don’t know if anybody ever received one,” he said. The award recognized the commitment to community and Roebuck’s influence in highlighting the use of the Borough of Northampton in his films.

At all three venues, audiences laughed loudly at comedic moments throughout the film. There was loud applause when the footage of the Bethlehem Area School District stadium was depicted as well as the recognizable places in Northampton such as the Mary Immaculate Center, the Alliance Fire Company and the Northampton Diner.

There were also tender emotional moments such as the school boys singing “Make Me A Channel of Your Peace” (The Prayer of St. Francis), the conversation between Sister Kathleen and Jake Bauer and the final play of the game which offered an ending that most people did not envision.

There was also a humorous hint that perhaps a sequel could be in the future.

At the conclusion of the film, Roebuck and the cast received standing ovations at all three venues. “The Hail Mary” is a production of excellence offering lessons in forgiveness, hope, and courage.

“The Hail Mary” earned a Bronze Crown Award for Best Theatrical Release at the 53rd Annual Crown Awards held in Nashville, Tenn. Feb. 18. Crown Awards recognize excellence in Christian film and media.

Producers Daniel, Tammy and Grace Roebuck and Davie Cabral’s work with “The Hail Mary” was highlighted as a notable finalist in these 2026 awards.

Alex Kovacs created the score for the film and the soundtrack includes local musicians Alyssa Garcia (who was present for the viewing at Becahi), Stefanie Johnson, Billy Bauer, Damian Righi and Bosco Oliver and the Bach Choir of Bethlehem.

“The Hail Mary” was funded by donations made to the Channel of Peace Productions, which is a nonprofit organization focusing on the advancement of family, faith and values such as love, forgiveness, good works and gratitude. In addition, the organization helps educate aspiring young filmmakers by creating opportunities for high school and college students to work on Hollywood sets.

The movie is expected to be available on Amazon Prime in the near future as well as available on DVD within the next few months.